Sodium lactate, the "gentle guardian" of skin moisturizing, comes from the natural lactic acid family, but with the gentle temperament of sodium, it shuttles between creams and lotions to bring moisture to dry skin.
01 What is sodium lactate
Sodium lactate is an organic acid salt with a chemical formula of C3H5NaO3. It is usually made by neutralization reaction of lactic acid (an organic acid naturally present in yogurt and some fruits). In the cosmetics industry, sodium lactate is widely used as a multifunctional ingredient.
02 What are the functions of sodium lactate
Moisturizer: Sodium lactate is an excellent moisturizing ingredient that can absorb moisture from the air, help the skin stay moisturized, and reduce water loss.
pH adjuster: It can adjust the pH of the product to make it closer to the natural pH value of the skin and reduce irritation to the skin.
Skin softener: Sodium lactate can soften the skin and help improve the skin's texture and elasticity.
03 General concentration of sodium lactate
Moisturizing creams and lotions: usually contain 2% to 5% sodium lactate, which can effectively help the skin moisturize while avoiding irritation to the skin.
Essence: The concentration of sodium lactate in essence may be slightly higher, about 5% to 10%, to provide more concentrated moisturizing and repairing effects.
Cleansing products: In cleansing products, the concentration of sodium lactate is usually lower, about 1% to 3%, which is used to adjust the pH value of the product and reduce skin dryness.
Ingredients that can be used with sodium lactate
Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful moisturizing ingredient that can absorb and lock in a large amount of water. When used in combination with sodium lactate, it can further enhance the moisturizing effect of the product.
Ceramides: Ceramides are an important component of the skin barrier. Together with sodium lactate, they can help repair and strengthen the skin barrier and improve the skin's moisturizing ability.
Glycerin: Glycerin is also a commonly used moisturizer. When used with sodium lactate, it can enhance the water absorption and moisturizing properties of the product.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage. When used with sodium lactate, it can improve the vitality and elasticity of the skin.
Panthenol: Provitamin B5 helps soothe the skin and promote wound healing. Together with sodium lactate, it can provide additional moisturizing and repairing effects.
Green Tea Extract: Green tea extract contains antioxidants that can help reduce skin inflammation. When used with sodium lactate, it can improve the health of the skin.
Allantoin: Allantoin has soothing and repairing effects on the skin. When combined with sodium lactate, it can enhance the mildness and skin repair ability of the product.
Squalane: Squalane is an ingredient similar to the skin's natural sebum. When used with sodium lactate, it can enhance the moisturizing effect of the product without clogging pores.
Sodium Lactate Applications
Skin Care Products: Sodium lactate is often used in skin care products such as creams, lotions, and essences as an ingredient for moisturizing and softening the skin.
Facial cleansers: In facial cleansers, sodium lactate can help adjust the pH value of the product and reduce the tightness of the skin when cleansing.
Sunscreen products: In sunscreen, sodium lactate can act as a stabilizer while providing moisturizing effects.
Strong acid ingredients: such as salicylic acid, fruit acids (such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, etc.) and vitamin C (especially high concentrations of vitamin C), these ingredients may reduce the stability of sodium lactate and affect its effectiveness.
Heavy metal ions: such as copper ions, zinc ions, etc., these ingredients may react with sodium lactate and reduce the effectiveness of the product.
Strong alkaline ingredients: Sodium lactate may lose stability in an alkaline environment, so it should be avoided when used with strong alkaline ingredients.
Ionic surfactants: Some ionic surfactants may react with sodium lactate, affecting the texture and stability of the product.
Too high a concentration of alcohol: High concentrations of alcohol may destroy the structure of sodium lactate and reduce its moisturizing effect.
Certain preservatives: Certain chemical preservatives may react with sodium lactate, affecting the product's preservative effect and the stability of the ingredients.
Essential oil ingredients: Some essential oil ingredients may be irritating, and using them with sodium lactate may increase skin sensitivity.
It should be noted that these matching taboos are not absolute, because in actual product formulas, through professional formulation technology and stabilization treatment, certain ingredients can still be used together. However, for people with sensitive skin, it is safer to choose products with simple and mild ingredients.
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